Why do some people tolerate the heat poorly, while others are delighted when the weather is very hot?
The contrast can indeed be enormous: while one person is panting in the shade at 30 °C, another only truly comes alive. This difference isn’t a matter of complaining or "character"—it is driven by a complex interplay of biology, physiology, and lifestyle. Our body regulates its temperature via the hypothalamus , a sort of internal thermostat in our brain. Why this thermostat reacts differently for everyone comes down to the following factors: 1. The Cooling System: Sweat Production and Blood Vessels To get rid of excess heat, the body relies on two main mechanisms: dilating blood vessels in the skin (which releases heat into the air) and sweating (the evaporation of moisture cools the skin). Fit and active people generally sweat faster and more efficiently. Because of exercise or training, their bodies are used to a higher core temperature and kick-start the cooling process much earlier. Hormonal fluctuations (such as during menopause or due to an overactive thyroid) can di...